Updated May 2016 || By Miles Budimir • Senior Editor Gearmotors are a fairly well-established technology. And recently, there is renewed interest in gearmotors, following a trend in integrated systems in general. More specifically, rising energy costs are driving demand for improved process efficiencies. This presents an opening for gearmotors that can be used in […]
Mechanical PT
New technologies lead to more efficient aircraft
In a time of increased costs and environmental awareness, fuel efficiency is a primary driver of trends in the aerospace industry. One way engineers are achieving greater fuel efficiency is by reducing the weight of the components that go into an aircraft. Lighter components make for a lighter aircraft, which makes it more fuel efficient […]
Bishop-Wisecarver provides $2000 in scholarships and support to local Eagle Scouts
Bishop-Wisecarver Group, a WBENC-certified, woman-owned family of companies that offer guidance solutions, contract specialty manufacturing and mechatronic-based engineering services, announced it is providing two $1000 scholarships for Eagle Scouts from the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council in honor of Bud Wisecarver, founder of Bishop-Wisecarver, and his late brother, Bob Cooke Wisecarver, an Eagle Scout and naturalist […]
Wave spring sizing and selection
Although wave-spring applications abound, there are basic rules to define spring requirements and determine whether a design can use a stock or standard spring or needs a special wave spring. The first and most important consideration is the load the application will apply to the wave spring. Required load is defined as the amount of axial […]
Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Updates
PTDA Canadian Conference for PT/MC industry Register now for the 14th annual PTDA Canadian Conference, to be held June 4 and 5 at the Four Seasons Vancouver. Participants will get $50 off their registration fee until May 1. The event—specifically designed for those who sell and manufacture power-transmission and motion-control products in Canada— will give members of the Canadian […]
SCHUNK SRU-mini-speed rotary unit
The SCHUNK SRU-mini-Speed rotary unit sets a benchmark in high-performance assembly in terms of cycle time and frequency. With 2 model sizes, these speed models from SCHUNK provide swivel times from 0.27s. If lightweight parts are handled with the unit, more than 4,000 cycles per hour can be achieved which is more than twice as […]
Engineers, don’t overlook (easier) robot setup with new buses
In preparation for a recent feature on trends in robotics, we spoke with Skye Gorter, an Automation Specialist at Cowper Inc. Gorter has almost 20 years’ experience in the automation industry, specializing in motion control, machine vision, and custom robotics. He supports customers with technical expertise and recently began integrating systems for R&D setups. Here’s […]
New website and selector tool for Harmonic Drive gearheads
Harmonic Drive LLC now has a new website for Quick Connect gearheads at harmonicdrivegearhead.com. The site features a Product Selector Tool, 360° images, and full specifications. It details Harmonic Planetary and Harmonic Drive Quick Connect HPN, HPG, HPGP, CSF-GH, CSG-GH, HPF and HPG-U1 gearheads … … and a quick way to choose the most suitable for a given application. There are PDF and DXF CAD […]
How to use vibration controls to boost machine throughput
Designers can double manufacturing productivity in all kinds of applications with the simple addition of adaptive vibration control. Some such systems operate at the drive level to get the fastest possible corrections. By Bipin Sen, Senior Business Development Engineer, Bosch Rexroth Increasing the speed of a packaging line, machine tool or pick-and-place operation may seem […]
Pittman Motors expands PLG planetary gearbox offering
Pittman Motors has expanded its gearbox offerings with the introduction of PLG24, PLG42K, PLG42S, PLG52, and PLG63 planetary gearboxes. These gearboxes are now available with Pittman brush and brushless DC motors and complement Pittman’s existing spur and planetary gearbox lines. The new products add 35 standard motor-gearbox family combinations to the Pittman offerings. The PLG […]